The message below was went out by Bishop Ian this afternoon. Photos from the vestry will follow later.
New Dean of the Diocese
I am very pleased to announce the appointment today of the Very Revd Graham Taylor as Dean of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, in succession to the Very Revd Kenny Rathband, who retired on 31st August 2021.
Graham continues to serve as Rector of St John the Baptist, Princes Street, Perth, where he has been since 2014, becoming a Canon of St Ninian’s Cathedral in 2019. Before coming to this Diocese, Graham served in several charges in the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney, where he was ordained in 2001.
The role of Dean is one of the most important in the life of any diocese. It includes support for the Bishop’s ministry; sharing in leadership of the Diocese with the Bishop and others; encouraging the clergy, lay ministers and vestries of the Diocese; and fulfilling the other duties specified in the Code of Canons. Graham brings to this ministry his love of the Scottish Episcopal Church, his long experience of congregational ministry, his priority of pastoral care, and his warm sense of humour!
I am very glad that Graham accepted my invitation to become Dean, and I am looking forward very much to welcoming him as a colleague and adviser, and to helping him as he settles into this new ministry.
Graham will be Licensed as Dean at a short and simple service at St John the Baptist, Perth, today, 1st September 2021, with members of St John’s Vestry present. But he will also be Installed and welcomed, in the presence of many more people, at the full Diocesan service we intend to have at the Cathedral before Advent. At that service other Canons, appointed during lockdown, will also be installed, and we will be able to thank Kenny Rathband as retiring Dean.
Please welcome Graham, and pray for him as he becomes Dean of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.
+Ian St Andrews
1st September, 2021
